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JENNIFER ESPENSCHEID THE SOMA SHOW

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jennifer Espenscheid was born in Spearfish South Dakota as the firstborn daughter to loving and creative parents, who from her very beginnings unconditionly fostered her wandering imagination. Her parents gave Jennifer her first tools to draw, paint, write, and build, along with the freedom and enthusiasm to create. They were her first subjects and her first patrons, as they bought, with sweet amusement, her tiny drawings and misspelled books for quarters when she was three.

“Along with breath, love, and sleep, art has always been a natural part of my life. It is in and all around me, just as it can be with everyone.”

Jennifer honed her discipline and design process at the University of Milwaukee where she earned a degree in Architecture and Urban Planning. After graduation and a year of traveling North America she began painting murals in San Francisco. California gave her a start and a portfolio to travel and work from. In the years that followed she has created murals and custom fine art throughout the US and Canada. It has afforded her travel and experience from all over the world.

“It is from this well of ideas, influences, and energy accumulated from my beginnings, education, travel, and most recently the birth and amazing life of my daughters, that I draw for each project! With every piece, my goal is to inspire. To breathe life into it. To infuse it with color and meaning and to have an animating effect on the space and people who experience it.

It is wonderful to stimulate the client’s imagination and create a specialized piece or space based on their wishes, my inspiration, and my professional and intuitive aesthetic sense!”

Creating for a show allows me to test new materials, break down previously unseen boundaries, and expose my self and the viewer to fresh energy communicated visually. Everyday I feel invigorated by the things I get to make and blessed when others choose to bring that creation into their lives.”

INSPIRED

Jennifer Espenscheid

-Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning UW Milwaukee 1998

-Custom Artist & Designer- 1998-Present

-Installations at Burning Man, Love Burn Miami, Palo Alto CA, Billings/ Red Lodge MT, Washington DC, Scottsdale AZ, Phoenix AZ, Calgary, Naples, Vancouver, Chicago, San Fransisco, Mazatlan, San Diego LA & extensively throughout Wisconsin and Illinois

-Featured in Milwaukee Magazine, Business Journal, MKE Lifestyle,and Info Magazine -Winner of 40 Under 40 MilwaukeeInterview on Fox 6 and Spectrum News

-Feed Your Soul Installation and live performance 2022 & 2023

-Selected Artist for Guitar Town Waukesha Project

-Hope Shining Blue Selected Contributor and Advocate

-Guest on Morning Blend with Denim Day art for awareness.

-2 years Art Grant Award Winner for Sculpture Installation @ Love Burn Miami & 2024 Art Grant awarded for Lakes of Fire

-Abstract Oils, sculpture, murals, symbolic portraits, multidimensional medias, integrated lighting & technology, moving visual presentations, event project and design consultation, & illustration are some of the things in her repertoire.

WHAT IS THE SOMA SHOW?

“Soma Shows are the events I produce that reveal a new body of work- materials concepts and energies- for everyone to consider. Soma means ‘body’ in Latin. Soma is also the name of the ancient Hindu Elixir that when ingested dissolves your ego, connects you to your divinity and one experiences ecstasy. This is the juice of inspiration I cultivate and transmute into what I create. As a Custom Artist I work with my clients to distill the meaning, medium, style and content desired into a visual representation. It might be sculpture, an oil painting, a tattoo, an interior or experience. The Journey to its creation is often cathartic to both the client and myself. The process together is as magical as the manifestation of the Art.”

THE SOMA SHOW

VISIONARY

JENNIFER...

works with her clients to create custom pieces specific to the needs of a particular space and desires. From corporate art in offices, public art for events, hotels, and restaurants, to residential work & special gifts.

INTERACTIVE SCULPTURE

Luciferia- Bringer of Light. This Winged Crystal plays with the sun by day and interacts with music and programming at night. Made of Acrylite, an iridescent translucent acrylic, metal and electronic/lighting components. She/They have a Mythology, a vast wealth of information in Their Sacred Geometry and light play encoded in Her DNA & Heart (programmed in Her chip and crystal core).

The sculpture’s central crystal body is an abstraction of Metatron’s Cube, symbolizing the Masculine, and grows from the Flower of Life, exemplifying the Feminine. It contains a multi-layered intricate heart, protected from the elements, which pulses and interacts with music and viewers. From this heart extend Wings, signifying freedom of movement and expression. Luciferia is a reminder to burn bright and continues to light up minds and hearts at Burning Man Nevada, Love Burn Miami, and now home in San Francisco CA.

STAINLESS MEMORIAL ART

Created as a memorial piece for this clients recently passed husband, the commission represents their unconventional love and eternal flame. With the deep grief of losing Her Husband on this physical plane, she wanted something dynamic to be with her as she moved through the stages of grief. Symbolizing their devoted relationship is the ever blossoming lotus, organically extending past the frame that usually defines a couple. In the center, near the undulating lights, is his wedding ring and below his remains- with her every day and night as she healed. After dark the spirit of Eternal Flame fills the space with dancing calming light, transforming the space into sanctuary. -Third Ward Milwaukee

ETERNAL FLAME

LUMELLA

SCULPTURE WITH HEART

Lumella (Loom-A-Ya) means Light Star. This sculpture is an elevated Star-Tetrahedron of iridescence and metal. The shape is a protective chrysalis for an anatomical heartsomething every human has in common. This eternal symbol beats with light and dances with fire- reminding us of our inner tireless flame. By day the sacred shapes play with the Sun’s ever changing light. At night her center illuminates and casts movement, information and brilliance across the environment. With a glowing rhythmic Heart, an integrated sound system, and compelling music the experience is all encompassing & transformative. Lumella was commissioned through an art grant for Love Burn Miami, traveled to Michigan for Lakes of Fire regional Burn, and now lives on an estate outside of Mexico City

QUANTUM ENTANGLEMENT

FAMILY TRANSFORMATION

This wall sculpture was created for a Family that blendss cultures, desires, and lifestyles in a stairwell that unites the public and private levels of their home. The place between chapters, era, emotions and levels can be honored and celebrated. The top of the panels are angular, and as it descends the mediums seem to let go and flow with ease as they cascade and drops fall on the banister. The visual elements suggest that the merging of individuals (color remaining strong) does not need to take away from the relationships (shared flowing shape). The empty space encourages flexibility, allowing for more of the aligned unknown, transformation, and ease of movement. -MKE

CONCEPT ILLUSTRATION & WRITING

The Inner Alliance Animal Oracle is a collection of 54 images and messages for reflection and growth. Each has an Animal holding a human figure along with thoughtful writing that instigates deep connection with the reader. The enchanting watercolors provide focus and reveal hidden meanings to the viewer. Safely nested in a tin with cover art, the enlightening assemblage is treasure like. Created to ease the anxiety of any situation and provide purpose and intention for the viewers day and night, the Oracle Deck comes to life with its illustrations words and feel. -World Wide

ORACLE CARDS

CORPORATE ART

Art enhances the experience of clients and employees for any company. The Rock Solid custom art engages and sets the tone for everyone visiting and working at this Road Building Company’s new headquarters- very outside the usual corporate feel.

Utilizing ‘teeth’ from one of the pieces of equipment and the spirit of recombobulated road building materials, the main entry piece transforms media into smooth layers and provides clear signage with texture. The Compass that graces the entry to the main offices is engaging by day and at night encourages interest with ever changing colors- reminding employees of their part in the company, ever changing landscapes and way finding abilities. -1001 Williams Rd, Genoa City Wisconsin

STABLE

ZEN GARDEN SCULPTURE

This commission of a serene Buddha face was sculpted out of high density urethane, layers of primer, oil paint, and a marine finish, which were applied to make it suitable for a zen outdoor garden gathering space. The metallic patina adds dimension to the timeless gaze and iconic traits of Buddha, as the powerful amethyst and quarts radiate from the third eye. -Vancouver Island, BC

BUDDHAFUL

HANDALA

NEIGHBORHOOD WELCOME MURAL

The Handala design won the commission to be the welcome mural for Clarke Square in Milwaukee. It is a combination of two of the Artist’s favorite amazing things, the Human Hand and Mandalas. Throughout human history, culture, and in every environment on Earth, Mandalas have been lovingly created. Hands are the extension of our hearts carrying out our work, touch, play and creating art. Fusing these two as symbols in the Handala both honored and inspired the neighbors in the Clarke Square neighborhood. This was a community inclusive project-- at a neighborhood festival hand portraits were taken of people of all sizes and ages. Next, Jennifer painted hand portraits in oil, captured the images and arranged them digitally into an elaborate mandala- the Handala emerged. This was printed on dibond, installed, and the rest of the mural was painted around it. On the day of the public celebration children from the area adhered mirror ‘seeds’ that Jennifer had hand cut around the centerpiece to symbolize the effects our actions have on our environment. To plant the ‘seed’ that what we do matters and be vigilant that it is beautiful. The inauguration with the Mayor kicked off a new fresh path forward for all the residents and building owners. -Clark Square, MKE

“We all love and live through our hands. We have hands to give and to receive, to help and play, to touch and create, and to express. Every beautiful hand is completely unique, and all our efforts blend together in a display of our shared humanity. Clarke Square’s residents have so much in common with all of us, and being aware of this collective power is what I hope the Handala inspires.” - JE

MURAL, EDUCATIONAL, & WAY-FINDING ART

The Clock Shadow Building commission, ‘Green Ribbon’, reflects the wonders of our natural environment, beginning with the earths core and stretching through the solar system. The amazing structure at 130 W. Bruce St. in Milwaukee utilizes sustainable power and materials with community base tenets. From the original inspired oil painting that visually captures the importance of sustainability and the environment, the 75’ Green Ribbon Mural was created. It extends up from the ground floor lobby through the core spine of the building, the reclaimed wood stairwell, to the ceiling of the 5th floor. From the original art the interior and exterior signage, educational panels, & directories, were designed and reproduce to create a powerful clear and meaningful experience for all who enjoy the space. - Walkers Point, Milwaukee

GREEN RIBBON

ENCHANTED FAMILY PORTRAIT

This stunning Symbolic Portrait contains a pair of wings for each member of the Family backed by a whale Tail- something the clients see often in the views from their Vancouver Island home. This three piece sculptural oil painting is attached to expanded metal and set in an iron frame. The Chakras that form the spine light up with sunlight and glow and breathe at night in the ever changing programmable integrated lighting that extends from the top of the piece out and back at the shapes and symbolism. The viewer is calmed and mesmerized as the light hues move up and down the spectrum- energy seems to move and radiate as the Chakras glow from root red to crown lavender. From behind, the piece is illuminated and seems to float on the wall. Wonderful texture cascades down from the tail like honey and amber. OMChakra is a consistent and gorgeous reminder of their values & unification with the vibe of health abundance and radiance. -Vancouver Island

OM CHAKRA

MULTI - MEDIA INSPIRATION FOR RESTAURANT

These wall sculptures of bone, metal, wood, and oil were commissioned by the owners of The Bad Apple, after seeing Jennifer’s work and trusting in her concept of matching their establishment’s vibe. The 2 huge dimensional works enliven the edgy corner spotone gracing the main dining room and the other suspended over the bar. Playing off the Garden of Eden & forbidden fruit the Dragon in one piece is capturing the Bad Apple and in the other can barely hang on. With vibrant color, carved organic material and found artifacts, the art is engaging and inspiring for the atmosphere, crew, and clientel they were created for. -4300 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago

DRAGONS OF EDEN

KITCHEN CENTERPIECE

To celebrate the completion of their new Home the Clients chose the kitchen as the first place for a commission. Combining the patterns of the tile, desired colors, and succulent feel- Honey was conceived. Light emenates from 3 layers of the art. It shines from behind the honeycomb routed and painted panel, is recessed between the 3D octagonal design and the front artwork of dimensional oils and metal, and washes the front with extending lights reminiscent of a honey bees antenna. The dripping texture and color result in an opulent, fascinating, and ever changing centerpiece for the Kitchen- the Heart and social hub of their Home. -Scottsdale AZ

HONEY

MANTEL SCULPTURE

This piece was commissioned to soften the stone fireplace that dominated this open living space and convey a sense of freedom. The client loved the idea of a graceful soaring eagle with elegant vertical lines forever facing and flying towards the ocean. The rich colors chosen warmed the room and mind. -Vancouver

ETERNALLY HOME

PORTRAIT OF FAMILY & HOME

As this Family transitioned from their home in Mill Valley to their forever home in Healdsburg they wanted a piece of art that tied the two together. This piece would anchor the meaning of Family and Home for two years while the new home was being completed. Home is wherever the four Family members gathered and each is represented in the four quadrants of the painting, symbols of their essence portrayed in the landscape, and at the center a compass and doorknob. Symbolically and literally showing them their way home is a lock with keys dangling on chains that will always grant entry. The colors and size were carefully selected to grace a specific wall in their first home’s open living space. Later the wall in the new Home was sized for the Art! The content and energy of Eternally Home brings joy and centered solace each day. -Mill Valley, CA

GIBSON GUITAR SCULPTURE

Song Bird was commissioned by the City of Waukesha, home of Les Paul & US Guitar Town. Made of Metal, bone, artifacts, and oil paint on a 12’ fiberglass Gibson. It rests gracefully on a custom steel stand, full of juicy color and meaning. SongBird conveys the reality, or rather duality, of an Artist’s life. The outward persona/front of Songbird is us with our audience: juicy, energetic, inspiring & magnetic. It is juxtaposed with the back: the behind the scenes reality of work, creation, organization, practice, logistics…and sometimes literal blood, sweat & tears. The sculpture was deemed too dangerous to display in public and was bought by George Wang, owner of Waukesha Tattoo Co. where it is on permanent display!

-463 W Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186

RESTAURANT WALL SCULPTURE

Clutch is an expansive sculptural centerpiece for the Restaurant of the same name. With a motorcycle themed lavish custom interior, the art pops with color, strong lines, and the abstraction of Her namesake. Set in an angle iron frame, the oil painted wooden rays emanate from the central hub of layered routed material and metal artifacts. The metallic surfaces glow in the light, conveying utility and authenticity while being elevated to the position of adoration and awe. -Milwaukee

CLUTCH

CUSTOM ART CUSTOM INTERIORS

MURALS

SYMBOLIC PORTRAITS

STAINLESS SCULPTURE

ILLUSTRATION

METAL DESIGNS

“Everytime

someone would ask for something I would say ‘yes’ and then learn how to do it. So it has been this beautiful arc of evolution, adding things to the repertoire, always coming up with new and fresh things.”